1. RESEARCH ROPOSAL OUTLINE 7th May 2018
Lecture 8b
RESEARCH ROPOSAL OUTLINE
7th May 2018

2. Research Proposal Defined
A detailed description of research proposal submitted by a research worker or research group as a basis for tackling a given research topic or problem at hand.
It contains a background, problem statement, justification, methodology, outcome expected, use of results, discussion, Conclusion/ recommendations, work plan, budget and literature review etc

3. Short/brief (max 15 words) Ought to contain dependent variable
Topic/Title
Short/brief (max 15 words)
Ought to contain dependent variable
and independent variables

4. 2. Abstract/Executive summary
A concise summary of a research paper or report in approximately 300 words
Details to follow later

5. 3. Introduction/Background
Significance of research,
informed by literature review
Backed by data from literature review
Last paragraph to highlight Problem Statement

6. 4. Introduction/Background
Keep in mind Problem statement,
Gaps in knowledge are identified
Research hinges on addressing gaps
Justification/Rationale
End with Problem Statement

7. 5. Literature review
Read extensively about past current issues on the topic and the problem identified,
Support your write up, statements with references
The citations will later help in:
Materials and methods
Discussion

8. 6. Objective/Aim/Purpose
General Objective - broad but short like the title
GO address the gaps, things undertaken by research
Specific Objectives – expands on general objective
Specific Objectives are generally > 1 can be 2,3 & 4

9. 7. Research Questions/Hypothesis
These are statements based on objectives.
Drives researcher to arrive at goals and outcomes .

10. 8. Conceptual/theoretical framework
Relationship between dependent
and
Independent variables

11. 9. Materials and methods This is how data is obtained
What you do get information
Research design or procedures
Scope of study
Geographical location etc
What will be used to conduct work

12. 10. Implementation: Laboratory experiments Field investigations
Rapid appraisal
Case study
Feasibility study
Survey
Scope of the study,

13. 11. Work plan/ Logical framework
A schematic or time table showing time line of accomplishing various tasks, procedures, within the research process from the beginning to completion.
See sample work plan
See sample Logical framework

14. 12. Results and Discussions
Two topics but can be separate
Findings
Data collected
Data analysis
Uses various forma of presentation
E.g. charts, graphs, histograms , pie charts tables figures, plates, pictures, Narratives
Every form of evidence
Appropriate references used to critiques results/discussion

15. Need for reporting to users Communicated to stakeholders
13. Expected outcome,
use of results,
To be stored properly
Need for reporting to users
Communicated to stakeholders
Results reveal originality of a researcher
Interest to donors/financier
Should be positive
Negative results are still accepted

16. 14. Budget and its narrative
See sample proposal
Narrative explains the budget line items
Without a budget it is difficult to implement even a good proposal
Accounting for budget is critical
Monitored as project progresses
Over expenditure is not acceptable
Must be realistic with minimal variations
Procurement is usually a challenge

17. 15. Conclusion and recommendation
There must be a conclusion based on the results
Conclusion and recommendations can be separate or combined
Recommendations are based on the results and conclusion
At this stage references are not cited
Conclusion should point out at some questions that could not be answered bt which future workers may tackle
Be precise in both conclusion and recommendations
Do not state I conclude I recommend, rather say it is concluded that… or it is recommended that …

18. 16. References or Bibliography
Can also be called literature cited
Economists and Sociologists usually cite references as footnotes after every page
Consult style manual for references
Don’t list whatever you have not cited and vice versa
Ensure you have read the doc/material you have cited
Recall the lecture or discussion on PLAGIARISM – An offence punishable by court of law (jailed/fined)
References are a MUST.

19. 17. Annex/Appendix
The following are usually included in the Annex/Appendix
CVs of PI, co-workers and partners
Institutional information,
Questionnaire if used

20. Likely relevant Materials
Cover Page showing title of project;
Name of PI and implementing institution;
Dated signature of supervisors forwarding the proposal;
Transmittal letter from PI or Head of an institution.

21. Questions and Answers How long can a full proposal be?
How does proposal differ from a Concept Note?
What is a bankable proposal?
Is a proposal still useful when a project is being implemented?
If my proposal is deferred or rejected what Can I do?
If I am a donor/financier, what do I do with rejected proposals?
Can I make a living by writing proposals for institutions?

22. WISHING YOU ALL SUCCESS WITH PROPOSAL WRITING AND IMPLEMENTATION
ENVOY
WISHING YOU ALL SUCCESS WITH PROPOSAL WRITING AND IMPLEMENTATION